The continuing rise in our world population and the influence of the Western diet on Asia and other parts of the globe have dramatically increased the demand for beef, chicken, eggs, milk, pork and other animal products. As a result, we now have an industrialized farming practice, known as “factory farming,” which confines thousands of animals in cramped factory type spaces in order to maximize production and profit. These foods may be cheap, but a big price is paid in other ways. (Please check the links above for more information.)

The good news

The variety of plant-based options is becoming increasingly plentiful and delicious. This is why food establishments continue to expand their vegetarian/vegan menus. These options may be healthy in many ways, but they sell because they are tasty! (A Harris Interactive poll from 2011 found that "one-third (33 percent) of the country is eating vegetarian meals a significant amount of the time. That's in addition to vegetarians!")

You don’t have to give up eating the staple foods you're used to, if you don’t want to. You can still nosh on burgers, hot dogs, chili, or ice cream and smack your lips with pleasure at the end. Just choose a delicious plant-based version. It's a win/win situation!

If you’re new to plant-based foods, feel free to ask us for suggestions!